Comments: IL SB1886 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly

Bill Title: Amends the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Reduces felony penalties for possession of cannabis, controlled substances, and methamphetamine to misdemeanors. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that in the case of a person who is, at the time of the effective date of the amendatory Act, incarcerated for a felony offense under the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act that has been subsequently reclassified as a misdemeanor, the sentencing court, the Director of Corrections, or the incarcerated person may make a motion to recall the original sentence issued and re-sentence the person to a misdemeanor sentence. Creates the Justice Reinvestment Fund in the State treasury for: (1) addressing the destabilizing effects that high incarceration rates have had on families and communities; (2) targeting the community conditions that perpetuate the cycle of crime; (3) providing formerly incarcerated persons a better chance to succeed outside of prison; and (4) providing support to victims. Provides that on or before August 31, 2018, and on or before August 31 of the next 9 fiscal years thereafter, the Comptroller shall transfer from the General Revenue Fund to the Justice Reinvestment Fund 85% of the total savings calculated by the Sentencing Policy Advisory Council from the reduction of the prison population as a result of the reduced sentences provided by the amendatory Act. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.